Summer Institute

In addition to courses and placements (Policy and Research Practica), Summer Institutes are a key component of the OTC Program. 

Knowledge Exchange. As a key instructional modality for consolidating interdisciplinary health services and policy research competencies, OTC Summer Institutes represent intensive learning experiences whereby experts in the chosen field provide students with opportunities for advanced knowledge exchange (usually facilitated through highly focused, interactive panels held every day). 

Design. Students are exposed to the policy imperatives and realities of designing and delivering health services for varied populations in different healthcare contexts, and are challenged to: a) develop program-specific monitoring and evaluation strategies that are scientifically rigorous and culturally appropriate; and b) design dissemination approaches that facilitate the uptake of results by relevant decision makers.
 

Themes. Selection of the topic is based on the input from Principal Investigators and key health services decision-making partners on what are considered to be crucial and current areas in health services and policy research. Planning and development of the program is directed by a Summer Institute Planning Committee that includes OTC Principals, decision-makers, and -starting with the 2006 Institute- students who have attended a previous OTC Summer Institute.

Topics to date. Topics addressed during the previous eight OTC Summer Institutes have been “Research and Policy Implications of Delivering Mental Health Services in Rural and Northern Parts of Ontario”  (Lakehead University,2004), “Health Human Resources Research and Policy: A Focus on Rural and Northern Issues” (Laurentian University, 2005), “Women’s Health in Research, Policy, and Services: Challenges for the Future” (York University, 2006), “Regionalization of Health Services in terms of Planning, Funding, and Delivery” (McMaster University, June 18-22, 2007), "Urban Health and Health Equity" (University of Toronto, June 9-13, 2008), "Aboriginal Health Services, Research and Policy" (University of Ottawa, June 1-5, 2009); Children and Youth Mental Health Services, Research, and Policy (Lakehead University, May 30-June 4, 2010); and Older Adults Health Systems, Research, and Policy (Laurentian University, June 13-17, 2011).

Hosted by the University of Toronto, in close collaboration with Public Health Ontario (PHO), the 2012 Summer Institute will take place June 4-8 with the theme Public Health Research and Policy.

Projects. As part of their learning activities during the week -and based on research questions on the selected theme- participating students during the 2004, 2005, and 2007 Summer Institutes completed team projects that had as their outcome the preparation of a Letter of Intent (LOI) following a format typical of open grants competitions.

During the 2008 Summer Institute, students developed a draft Request For Proposals (RFP) for Health Equity Research projects and draft criteria for evaluating research proposals submitted in response to RFPs.

During the 2009-2011 Summer Institutes, student teams prepared a Briefing to the Ministry -a set of up to 15 slides- a) addressing key research questions related to priority strategies within the theme of the institute, and b) providing direction for enhancing evidence-based measurement of health outcomes. 

Collaboration. Central to the objectives of the OTC is the opportunity for students to learn to collaborate with decision maker partners from question formulation to dissemination of study findings. Summer Institutes provide an excellent opportunity for students to learn from decision maker partners as these partners participate actively on the planning committee, in the delivery of presentations, the hosting of students in their agencies, and the facilitation of the small groups as they prepare their projects (Letters Of Intent or policy proposals).

Team work. Further to their intensive small group work activities during the week, students have the unique opportunity to exchange knowledge with outstanding health services academics (national and international) and decision-makers, and to do relevant site visits (e.g., a nursing station in a northern and remote region, a community health centre).

Funding. In addition to the base funding from the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF), important co-sponsorships for the OTC Summer Institutes have been provided by several branches of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (Mental Health and Rehabilitation Policy Unit, Nursing Secretariat, Local Health Integration Network Liaison Branch, and Research Unit of the Health System Planning and Research Branch), the [former] Ontario Women’s Health Council, the CIHR Institute for Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR), Health Canada, McMaster University’s Collaborations for Health, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), MITACS, the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO, and the Ontario Research Coalition of Research Institutes/Centres on Health and Aging (ORC).

Evaluation. Student projects during the 2004, 2005 and 2007 Summer Institutes were evaluated by OTC Faculty as a learning experience in the context of criteria for assessing Letters Of Intent typical of Open Grants Competition, which look at a) the significance of the research for decision makers, b) the involvement of decision makers as partners in the research, c) the extent and appropriateness of the communication and dissemination plans, d) the nature of co-sponsorship, and e) the potential added value from program funding.

Student projects during the 2006 Summer Institute were evaluated by OTC Faculty with feedback from Professor Diana Majury (Carleton University and Ontario Women’s Health Institute’s Vision Lead) and her team. The evaluation considered: a) the extent to which proposals reflected an understanding of the literature on women’s health and the policy issues for women’s health, b) the recognition of diversity and other criteria set out in the Minister’s announcement and in the established Ontario Women’s Health Institute Principles, c) the involvement of decision-makers and communities as partners in the proposed activities (including governance structure) of the Ontario Women’s Health Institute, d) the extent and appropriateness of the communication and dissemination plans for the Institute, and e) the extent to which the proposed vision for the Ontario Women’s Health Institute offers potential for positive change in women’s health in the province.

Student projects during the 2008 Summer Institute were evaluated by OTC Faculty with feedback from the Health System Planning and Research Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. 2009-2011 student projects were evaluated by OTC Faculty and senior staff from various ministry branches involved with the Summer Institute for the particular year (Aboriginal Health Strategy Unit, Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and Policy and Standards Branch).

University credits for participation in the Summer Institute are provided on a pass/fail basis.

Feedback. Review of student feedback indicates that OTC Summer Institutes provide “an excellent learning experience,” “excellent speakers – diverse, knowledgeable, dynamic-,” “a great link between policy makers and researchers,” “a network of high calibre,” and “invaluable hands-on mentoring by experts in the field (e.g., international guests and Health Canada and Ontario Ministry of Health contacts).”